Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.

Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are.

                                           1 Peter 3:15  THE MESSAGE

In a superficial world, heart-beauty is the meaning of character.

The madness of appearance is more concerned with looks than real life.

Ego can be senseless.

Practice the regimen of grace and be changed from the inside out.

     Value character above cosmetics—beauty is more than skin-deep.

     Be gentle and quiet—qualities I find more attractive than gold.

     Trust Me at all times—faith is lovelier than any face-lift.   

In a selfish world, helpfulness is the meaning of compassion.

The madness of apathy enthrones self and leaves no room for others.

Egotism is stupid.

Travel the boulevard of blessing.

     Seek unity and enjoy peace.

     Be courteous and increase your influence.

     Be kind to your enemies and demonstrate maturity I am looking for.

In a sinful world, holiness is the meaning of Christlikeness.

The madness of arrogance is self-centered and off-centered.

Egocentricity is sinful. 

Make a conscious effort to live a holy lifestyle.

     Run for all you are worth from anything that stimulates evil desires.

     Concentrate on anything that encourages you to do right. 

     Focus on faith, love and peace—avoid worry, hatred and discord.

In a scared world, hallelujah is the meaning of calm.

The madness of alarm is beside itself over personal safety.

Egomania is scared.

Discover the secret of My peace.

     Stay composed in the eye of the storm—unafraid of circumstances.

     Remain tranquil in chaos—unintimidated by terrorists.

     Trust Me in trouble—unruffled by adversity.

In a skeptical world, hope is the meaning of confidence.

The madness of atheism results in complete despair.

Ego trips are one-way, dead-end roads to hell. 

Avoid becoming a road worrier.

     I will have the last word—what I say goes.

     I will win the last war—what I do counts.

     I will have your lasting worship—who I am endures.

I am your Meaning in the madness—seek My wisdom for each day.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                                    My times are in your hands.

                                                          Psalm 31:15 NIV
 

I am the Timeless God—holiness to cancel yesterday’s sins.

     My grace transforms your down-on-yourself guilt into upbeat gladness.

     I have not rejected you—I have given you Christ’s righteousness.

     You are a sinner by nature—you do not deserve or merit My love.

     My Son is perfect—He did not deserve what happened to Him at Calvary.

     Like Barabbas, it should have been you; instead, you are free.

     I am your forgiveness.

I am the Enough God—Hiding Place to calm today’s sorrows.

     I shelter you from accusing tongues, sustain you through distress,

          and save you from the addictive power of sin.

     I am your Time-out from the rat race and Anchor on high seas.

     When your daily schedule gets crazy and hectic, take a deep breath—

          breathe out worry about possibilities, breathe in worship;

          breathe out fear of contingencies; breathe in faith in My power.

     I am your Fortress.

I am the Unchanging God—hope to celebrate tomorrow’s surprises.

     In all the universe, I alone will always be who I have always been.

     I made promises I intend to keep—My faithfulness will not fail.

     Anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of My perfect plan—

          believe the overcast unknown will brighten in My time.

     Whatever change comes your way, rest assured I will keep My word.

     For the time being, rely on Me to lead you in honorable paths,

          rescue you from the evil one’s malicious strategies,

          and reinforce you to bravely move ahead.

     In your darkest times, keep believing in Light beyond light—

          follow your Guide across the fearful ravine to Tranquility Meadow.

     I am your future.

Count on My unchanging love to absolve your embarrassing past,

     accompany you on your present journey, and guarantee your heavenly home.  Place yesterday, today and tomorrow in My hands—

     then you can enjoy the time of your life!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                        Day 204, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

         The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 

                                           Psalm 23:1
 

     I lovingly embrace you and faithfully carry you close to My heart. What difference does it really make? All the difference in the world!  When you follow Me as your Shepherd, l take good care of you.
 

     Hungry? I alone can satisfy your heart’s deepest hunger. Like a sheep after a satisfying meal, you lie down in a green meadow to take a nap—content.

     Falling apart under stress? Take My hand—I will lead you by peaceful streams where you will not be frightened and you can enjoy My poise.

     Tottering? Look to Me and find strength for life’s challenges—soar higher than mediocrity, run faster than temptation, and walk farther than lethargy.  Find renewed energy in the pleasure of My company.

     Yearning to be holy? My paths are right and honorable—walk on them and grow in My likeness.
 

     Troubled at the thought of dying? Do not fear—I am with you. I will protect and comfort you as you cross the dark valley to the city of light.

     Encircled by foes? Take a seat at My table—enjoy a meal with Me.

     Hurting? Divine hospitality cures your headache and heartache.

     Unhappy? Look around—then look up and thank Me for the overflowing blessings in your life. I do not just hang one star in the sky—I spangle your nights with countless awesome constellations. I do not plant only a single         flower for your viewing enjoyment—I arrange whole fields. I do more than toss an occasional blessing—blessings cascade from My heart to yours day after day.

     Feeling unloved in an uncaring world? Nestle near My heart, and My goodness and unfailing love will warm yours. It can be a cold, cruel world—as I learned firsthand when I visited your tilted planet—but I am the heartwarming God.

     Longing for permanence? Heaven on earth will bring you an unchanging address. Better than hope-so, maybe-so, guess-so talk—know-so confidence faces forever with unflinching faith in your Shepherd. I am your Center of Gravity—everything you need in time and in eternity. Follow Me—I will get you home.

(c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond                       Day 200, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us  while He was talking with us on the road
as He opened and explained to us the sense of the Scriptures?
Luke 24:32 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
 

Saddened by emptiness?

     Obey Me, and I will make Myself real to you.

     Trade a long face for a smile—be a good advertisement for the gospel.

     I am your Source of Music—sing out for the entire world to hear.

Entombed by loneliness?

     You are never alone—I walk alongside you on every road you travel.

     When perplexing cares crowd your heart, I console and cheer you.

     I am your Greatest Friend—you have not lost Me, so dance for joy.

Afraid of death?

     Hear My reassuring voice and overcome Satan-coaxed anxiety.

     Death Valley terror disappears as you realize shadows mean Light.

     I am your Life—I will defeat all enemies, so count on ultimate victory.

Losing hope?

     Open the eyes of your heart and envision My promised bright future.

     Wait patiently for My new world to materialize—be brave-hearted.

     I am your Center of Gravity—hide in Me and unflinchingly trust.

Perplexed by despair?

     Guilt, death, hopelessness, angst, and gloom burden your heart.

     Grace, vitality, hope, faith, mercy, and freedom bless your heart.

     I am your Redeemer—hang on for dear life—all is well.

Walk life’s road with Me—and I will change dejection to delight,

     skepticism to optimism, despair to hope, restlessness to tranquility,   

     depression to ecstasy, self-pity to praise, and doubt to worship.

     I am your God—rest assured.

                                         

(c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond                            Day 319, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

             The 

                                                   Peace be with you.

                                                            John 20:19

I give you poise in earth’s scary situations.

     There is no need to be intimidated by people—they are all mortals. 

     Do not tremble before human beings—fear Me and nothing else.

     I am your omnipotent Helper, so do not let fear get the best of you. 

          There is no need to lock doors—I am your omnipotent Protector.

     I whispered stars into existence—I know their names and yours too.   

          I direct intergalactic traffic patterns—I orchestrate details of life. 

     I will never leave you—My Presence is your failsafe security system. 

          Every heartbeat, step, and season of your life—I am with you.

     I give you tough shoes for hard roads—I am your equilibrium equation. 

          I will always love you—My care is your unflinching courage. 

     Rely on the Almighty to see you through trouble—find true serenity.

I give you pardon in your guilty struggles.

     Religious ceremonies are futile—My blood is your way to forgiveness.

          My grace is your only hope of removing guilt’s oppressive burden. 

     Self-talk does not ease doubt—My Spirit is your assurance of heaven. 

          When I make Myself at home in your heart, you can rest easy. 

     Let Me calm your heart—experience the tranquility of inner-stances. 

I give you My promise all will be well in your uncertain tomorrows.

     I walk ahead of you into the future—

          I live in the eternal now—I am who I have been and who I will be.

     Call Me Rabboni—your very own Teacher—follow Me into tomorrow. 

          My heart is your unassailable fortress, a home where you can rest.

     Heaven on earth is not too good to be true; nor is it too good to last.

          After smoke clears in the battle of good and evil, you’ll enjoy victory. 

          A new earth will replace an evil world—I guarantee it.  

     Trust My Word—know supernatural composure facing eternity.  

     Keep faith in your Invisible Means of Support—be an eternal optimist.

          You cannot know how faith in an unseen One brings ecstasy,

               but do not let your lack of understanding stifle your enthusiasm.

          My close friendship is your joy too wonderful for words. 

     There is no need to go around wringing your hands—

          take My wounded hand; you can trust Me. 

     Focus on Me and I will bless you with peace nothing can disturb. 

          My supernatural gift is your peace of mind.

`

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.
                              The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
     We thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!
                               1 Corinthians 15:25,26,57 ESV

Christ’s  resurrection  means  victory  over  the  dark  side.

     Alpha had the first word—Let there be light—and chaos gave way to calm.

     Omega will have the last word—grace— and fear will give way to rejoicing.

     World events may seem to indicate the devil is winning, but the war’s not over. 

        Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

         This is your Father’s world, The battle is not done.

          Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one. (Maltbie Babcock)

     The Accuser will be pulverized under the feet of the conquering King.

     Addiction to Satan’s ways can be broken when you let the Son liberate you. 

     Do not wander dark alleys—let the Holy King guide you by radiant light. 

     There is Light beyond the shadows—and it will ultimately cancel the night.

     Celebrate Christ’s reign of righteousness by walking as a child of the Light.

Christ’s  resurrection  means  victory  over  death.
     Now your body humiliates you—someday you will have a body like Christ’s.

     Your earthly body is mortal—your heavenly body will be immortal.

     The ferocious enemy of death cannot come between us—we are inseparable. 

     Do not let death terrorize you—the Eternal King has removed its sting. 

     There is Life beyond the grave—and it will ultimately eradicate death.                       

     Celebrate Christ’s reign of life by enjoying the pleasure of His company.

Christ’s  resurrection  means  victory  over  despair.

     The cosmos may seem cruel, arbitrary and deceptive—but heaven has a plan. 

     Life may feel like a transition between two oblivions—but I have a purpose. 

     The future may sometimes look dark, but it is just as bright as My promises. 

     Listen carefully to My future melody and you can triumph over hopelessness.

     Live with unwavering faith in Me and you can learn to sing and dance for joy. 

     Do not let worry get the best of you—leave tomorrow to the King of glory.    

     There is Love beyond the physical—and it will ultimately abolish despair.

     Celebrate Christ’s reign of hope by marching to Zion, not trudging to oblivion.
 

Gentle Whispers from Eternity                        © by Johnny R. Almond             

       Keep alert and pray.   Otherwise temptation will overpower you.
             For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak.

                                         Matthew 26:41 NLT

Stay awake!

     Do not let the Devil catch you napping—sleepwalking is dangerous.

     Hell's traps can easily ensnare you when you are only half awake.

     While Jesus sweat blood in Gethsemane, his disciples snored.

      Do better than them—keep watch with Me through the hours of this day. 

Pay attention!

     Do not emulate Judas, seeking a time to betray Me—look for ways to serve.  

     Carelessness causes moral tragedy and distracts from life's noblest use.

     Watch your p's and q's; otherwise, you could misspell purity and quality.   

     Do not waste the days I give you—life is not a dress rehearsal.

Be careful!

     Satan is not a teddy bear, but a roaring lion shredding unsuspecting victims.

     You do not play volleyball in a minefield; do not be fast and loose morally.  

     If you throw caution to the wind, you will live to regret it.

     Be vigilant as you journey through life, or you could trip and get hurt. 

Stay busy!

     Never go to sleep on the job, or you’ll be embarrassed at the end of the day.

    Avoid pretense—never turn My will into a charade to impress others.

     Jesus went around doing good—copy his example; do not just go around.

    Idleness is the devil’s workshop—Christlikeness demands an active life.

Watch out for the tempter!

     Self-sufficiency self-destructs; cocksureness sets you up for a great fall.    

      Basking in your fantastic ego, you’re never more vulnerable for temptation. 

     Racing helter-skelter in hectivity?  The evil one can catch you off-guard. 

     Hungry? Anxious? Lonely? Tired? HALT! 

Pray!

     Your noble intentions may be strong, but your resistance is weak.

     Disciple, will you desert your Master?  Soldier, will you cut and run?

     Subject, will you disown your King?  Friend, will you turn traitor?

     Nothing is bitterer than denying Me—you would weep your heart out. 
     Let My warning flash through your mind, and you will not have to cry.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                     Out of the depths I cry to Thee, O LORD.

                                   Psalm 130:1 MLB
 

     In heartache, reach for God in prayer.

          From valley depths, cry out to the Lord.

          Hurting, ask for His help—heaven pays attention to desperation.

          In your frail misery, look to Omnipotence for emotional support.

          Jesus is ready to listen when you need to talk.

           Tell Jesus all your trials, you cannot bear these burdens alone;    

           In your distress He kindly will help you; He ever loves and cares for His own.

            [Elisha A. Hoffman] * 

     In holiness, revere God because of His pardon.

          Vindicated by deliverance, consecrate yourself to the Savior.

          Forgiven by Christ’s mercy, live by His salvation.

          Do not mull over past mistakes—the Lord forgives and forgets.

          Do not wring your hands over tomorrow—God is already there.

           When the world allures you to evil, and your heart is tempted to sin,

           Tell Jesus, and He will help you over the world the victory to win. * 

     In hope, rely on God’s promise.

          Visioning daybreak, commune with your Father.

          Faithing morning, gaze on the Bright Morning Star.

          Count on heaven’s promises—they brighten the future.

           Beneath life’s crushing load, when you are bending low,

           Toiling along the way with painful steps and slow,

           Look now!  Glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing –

           Rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing. [Edmund H. Sears]

          In a WWII concentration camp, a Jewish girl wrote in her diary—

               There will always be a small patch of sky above,

                 and there will always be enough space to fold two hands in prayer.   

     In help, rejoice in God’s Providence.

          Victorious by Holy Spirit dynamics, celebrate infinite power.

           In a festive mood, enjoy heaven’s symphony of love.                   

          Unshackled from addictive evil, revel in perfect freedom.

          Whatever your situation, know God is completely aware of it.

          In difficult circumstances, cultivate joyful inner-stances.

          When the hill is steep, climb in the energy God provides.

          On high seas, stay on an even keel in perfect peace God gives.  

          In emotional valleys, look heavenward and triumph. 

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
     but let God transform you into a new person

             by changing the way you think.

                               Romans 12:2 NLT

Think purposefully—begin each day with the end in mind.

    Make it your habit—your daily aim—to live a lifestyle that honors Me.   

    Stay in step with My mission—testify to Love to all who will listen.  

    Aim at nothing and you will hit it—target noble goals and find success.

    In view of all I have done for you, surrender to Me as a living sacrifice.

    When you grow weary, gaze again at My cross—and struggle on.

    If your mind is dedicated, your blessing will be sure.

Think of paradise—keep in mind the future is as bright as My promises.

    Let heaven permeate your thoughts—live in celestial anticipation.

    Your final address is a mansion—look forward to eventual triumph.

    Do not be preoccupied with things—look ahead, not just around.

    Do not wring your hands in panic—look up, not just out.

    Do not be trapped by earthly cares—look forward, not just inward.

    If your mind is determined, your soul will be saved.

Think purely—consecrate yourself to live a holy life.

    Fill your mind with trash, and you will live in a garbage dump.

    Fill your mind with truth, and live in grand and glorious splendor.

    Think wrong, and you will live wickedly; think right and live rightly.

    Let My Holy Spirit bring about a metamorphosis from the inside out.

    If your mind is disciplined, your body will be sanctified.

Think after Christ’s pattern—live for others, not just for yourself.

    Be a humble servant—maintain a Christlike attitude.

    I did not seek to be waited on hand and foot—neither should you.

    I condescended to be a servant—think you are too good for that?

    Be thoughtful of others’ needs, and find life’s truest meaning.

    If your mind is devoted, your heart will be satisfied.

 

© Pastor Johnny R Almond                         Day 336, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

      Give honor to the Lord for the glory of his name.  Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 

                                                          Psalm 29:2  NLT
 

      Be awed in My Presence. Keep in mind that except for grace, you would be helpless. Realize I am the Source of your poise and peace. Totally rely on Me. Reverence Me as your Master.

     Let me remind you that you are subordinate to the King of kings. Permit Me to formally educate you in life’s highest lesson; learn it well—there is a God and you are not Him. Take a low position before Me. Give Me the glory and the honor I alone deserve .Tremble before Me. Come down where you ought to be. Worship Me humbly.

     Be active in My power. Let My Spirit kindle your adoration. Yield to My influence, so you will be fired up with sparkling enthusiasm.

     I am Sovereign of the universe—obey Me in every dimension of your life. Worship Me with all your heart.

     Advance in My purity. I alone am perfect; however I want you to grow in My likeness. My plan is for everyday saints—24/7—until eternity. Dress your Sunday best Monday through Saturday also. Honor Me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds.

     Make living for Jesus Christ your life’s noblest purpose—realize dying to selfishness for Christ’s sake is the bridge to significance. Seek My inspiration to motivate you to be faithful. Search for My power to help you behave your beliefs and practice what you preach. Do more than meditate—get on with your assigned mission. My Son went around doing good—do not be content with merely going around, a big wheel going in circles.

     I have outfitted you with spiritual armor for the purpose of fighting. A full suit of armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair. Do not spend all your time getting ready to live—take time to really live. After all is said and done, there is more said than done—do not let this be true of you.

     Advance in the splendor of radical holiness. Reverse evil—really live! I made you pure in heart—you must make yourself pure in conduct.

     Make worship your lifestyle—not just on Sundays, but all the time; not just at church, but everywhere; not just in a pew, but on the road.
 

   © Johnny R. Almond                               Day 203, Gentle Whispers from Eternity